Preview: Timberwolves at Pistons

March 26, 2013|Reuters

Having snapped their 10-game losing streak, the Detroit Pistons turn their attention toward ending a string of six straight home losses when they host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday. The Pistons ended their season-long skid with a 92-91 win at Charlotte on Saturday, but they haven't won at home since an 11-point victory over Washington on Feb. 13.

The Timberwolves have had the upper-hand over the Pistons recently, winning the past four meetings after dropping six of the previous seven. It's the first clash for the teams, who will wrap up the season series April 6 at Target Center. Minnesota has lost three of its last four and is coming off a 104-97 home loss to Chicago. The Timberwolves had lost nine straight road games before Friday's 117-86 win at Phoenix, and they've dropped 17 of their last 19 away from home.

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, Fox Sports North (Minnesota), Fox Sports Detroit

ABOUT THE TIMBERWOLVES (24-44): Minnesota is in the midst of a stretch in which it will play six games in eight days, including dates with four teams that are in position to make the playoffs. "We can't do anything about the schedule," forward Andrei Kirilenko told reporters. "Most NBA teams go through it, and we are no exception. So we are going to get ready." The offense has come to life since big men Kirilenko and center Nikola Pekovic returned from injuries. Minnesota has averaged 98 points over the past eight games after scoring 86.3 per game in the previous seven. Forward Chase Budinger has averaged nine points in three games since his return after missing 59 games with a torn meniscus in his left knee.

ABOUT THE PISTONS (24-47): Detroit has two chances to snap its home losing streak before a four-game road trip, and the Pistons need to get going at the offensive end. They've topped 100 points only once in the past 12 games. The Pistons look to be closer to getting rookie center Andre Drummond back from a stress fracture in his lower back that has kept him out for 21 games, but he won't return Tuesday. "It's very encouraging what you see, but as much as you try to simulate it, practice isn't an NBA game," coach Lawrence Frank told reporters. "But he's working hard and it's great to see him back on the court."

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Timberwolves are 1-16 when scoring fewer than 90 points and 2-33 when trailing after three quarters.

2. The Pistons are tied for third in the NBA and lead the Eastern Conference with an average of 45.7 points in the paint.

3. Minnesota is shooting 29.4 percent from 3-point range, putting it on track for the worst 3-point percentage in NBA history. Charlotte shot 29.5 percent from long range last season.